Podcasts about Ignoring

Guest: Gregory Copley. King Charles III is demonstrating resilience by outworking other royals and returning to full duties despite his ongoing cancer treatment, while steadfastly ignoring the distraction of gossip surrounding Prince Harry and Prince Andrew. The King faces a challenging year managing a relationship with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose government Copley describes as hostile to the monarchy and struggling with a tattered economy and a severe illegal migration crisis.1828 BANK OF ENGLAND

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Cameka Smith. Founder of The BOSS Network, from Money Making Conversations Masterclass: Purpose of the Interview The interview aimed to: Highlight The BOSS Network’s mission to empower women of color through entrepreneurship, career development, and community support. Share Dr. Smith’s personal journey from layoff to leadership, inspiring others to embrace entrepreneurship. Discuss strategies for business success, funding opportunities, and mentorship for Black female founders. Key Takeaways Origin of The BOSS Network Founded in 2009 during the recession after Dr. Smith was laid off from Chicago Public Schools. Initially started as local events in Chicago; now a digital community reaching 200,000 women nationwide. Mission: Bringing Out Successful Sisters (BOSS)—promoting small business spirit and career growth. Impact & Achievements Invested in 100 Black female founders through grants. Trained 50,000 women on business strategies. Coached 10,000 women on starting businesses. Created Boss Business University, offering mentorship and digital programs. Pivot During COVID Shifted from 35% event-based revenue to 75% digital. Launched Boss Impact Fund and Invest in Progress Grant: $10,000 grants + 4-year scholarships for recipients. Combined funding, mentorship, and marketing support for sustainability. Challenges & Mindset Entrepreneurship requires planning, resilience, and community support. Dr. Smith saved money before leaving her job and leveraged relationships for growth. Quote: “Entrepreneurs will work 80 hours for themselves but don’t want to work 40 hours for someone else.” Top 3 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make Lack of research: Understand your industry, competitors, and market. No revenue model: If you’re not making money, it’s a hobby, not a business. Ignoring relationships: Networking and partnerships are key to success. Unique Marketing & Partnerships Dr. Smith built direct relationships with brands, bypassing agencies that offered “pennies on the dollar.” Created a dual revenue model: B2B (corporate partnerships) + B2C (community engagement). Core Philosophy Motto: Believe, Plan, Win. Quote: “Those that show up, go up.” Success is rooted in faith, persistence, and leveraging community. Notable Quotes “I was born to be an entrepreneur. My mother told me, until you become your own boss, you have to follow the rules.” “Less than 1% of Black women get VC funding—so we created our own fund.” “Relationships are your key to success. When social media goes away, your audience remains.” “If you have a business and you don’t have money, you’ve got a hobby.” “God will not birth anything inside of you that He will not give you the tools to deliver.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Cameka Smith. Founder of The BOSS Network, from Money Making Conversations Masterclass: Purpose of the Interview The interview aimed to: Highlight The BOSS Network’s mission to empower women of color through entrepreneurship, career development, and community support. Share Dr. Smith’s personal journey from layoff to leadership, inspiring others to embrace entrepreneurship. Discuss strategies for business success, funding opportunities, and mentorship for Black female founders. Key Takeaways Origin of The BOSS Network Founded in 2009 during the recession after Dr. Smith was laid off from Chicago Public Schools. Initially started as local events in Chicago; now a digital community reaching 200,000 women nationwide. Mission: Bringing Out Successful Sisters (BOSS)—promoting small business spirit and career growth. Impact & Achievements Invested in 100 Black female founders through grants. Trained 50,000 women on business strategies. Coached 10,000 women on starting businesses. Created Boss Business University, offering mentorship and digital programs. Pivot During COVID Shifted from 35% event-based revenue to 75% digital. Launched Boss Impact Fund and Invest in Progress Grant: $10,000 grants + 4-year scholarships for recipients. Combined funding, mentorship, and marketing support for sustainability. Challenges & Mindset Entrepreneurship requires planning, resilience, and community support. Dr. Smith saved money before leaving her job and leveraged relationships for growth. Quote: “Entrepreneurs will work 80 hours for themselves but don’t want to work 40 hours for someone else.” Top 3 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make Lack of research: Understand your industry, competitors, and market. No revenue model: If you’re not making money, it’s a hobby, not a business. Ignoring relationships: Networking and partnerships are key to success. Unique Marketing & Partnerships Dr. Smith built direct relationships with brands, bypassing agencies that offered “pennies on the dollar.” Created a dual revenue model: B2B (corporate partnerships) + B2C (community engagement). Core Philosophy Motto: Believe, Plan, Win. Quote: “Those that show up, go up.” Success is rooted in faith, persistence, and leveraging community. Notable Quotes “I was born to be an entrepreneur. My mother told me, until you become your own boss, you have to follow the rules.” “Less than 1% of Black women get VC funding—so we created our own fund.” “Relationships are your key to success. When social media goes away, your audience remains.” “If you have a business and you don’t have money, you’ve got a hobby.” “God will not birth anything inside of you that He will not give you the tools to deliver.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Cameka Smith. Founder of The BOSS Network, from Money Making Conversations Masterclass: Purpose of the Interview The interview aimed to: Highlight The BOSS Network’s mission to empower women of color through entrepreneurship, career development, and community support. Share Dr. Smith’s personal journey from layoff to leadership, inspiring others to embrace entrepreneurship. Discuss strategies for business success, funding opportunities, and mentorship for Black female founders. Key Takeaways Origin of The BOSS Network Founded in 2009 during the recession after Dr. Smith was laid off from Chicago Public Schools. Initially started as local events in Chicago; now a digital community reaching 200,000 women nationwide. Mission: Bringing Out Successful Sisters (BOSS)—promoting small business spirit and career growth. Impact & Achievements Invested in 100 Black female founders through grants. Trained 50,000 women on business strategies. Coached 10,000 women on starting businesses. Created Boss Business University, offering mentorship and digital programs. Pivot During COVID Shifted from 35% event-based revenue to 75% digital. Launched Boss Impact Fund and Invest in Progress Grant: $10,000 grants + 4-year scholarships for recipients. Combined funding, mentorship, and marketing support for sustainability. Challenges & Mindset Entrepreneurship requires planning, resilience, and community support. Dr. Smith saved money before leaving her job and leveraged relationships for growth. Quote: “Entrepreneurs will work 80 hours for themselves but don’t want to work 40 hours for someone else.” Top 3 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make Lack of research: Understand your industry, competitors, and market. No revenue model: If you’re not making money, it’s a hobby, not a business. Ignoring relationships: Networking and partnerships are key to success. Unique Marketing & Partnerships Dr. Smith built direct relationships with brands, bypassing agencies that offered “pennies on the dollar.” Created a dual revenue model: B2B (corporate partnerships) + B2C (community engagement). Core Philosophy Motto: Believe, Plan, Win. Quote: “Those that show up, go up.” Success is rooted in faith, persistence, and leveraging community. Notable Quotes “I was born to be an entrepreneur. My mother told me, until you become your own boss, you have to follow the rules.” “Less than 1% of Black women get VC funding—so we created our own fund.” “Relationships are your key to success. When social media goes away, your audience remains.” “If you have a business and you don’t have money, you’ve got a hobby.” “God will not birth anything inside of you that He will not give you the tools to deliver.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

➡️ Want To Learn More About Partnering With Me at eXp (Get all my Training & Coaching For Free) Schedule a Zero Pressure, Fully Confidential Zoom Call with me: https://go.oncehub.com/PartnerwithJoshuaSmithGSD   ➡️ Connect With Me On Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoshuaSmithGSD Instagram: https://instagram.com/joshuasmithgsd/   About Joshua Smith: -Licensed Realtor/Team Leader Since 2005 -Voted 30th Top Realtor in America by The Wall Street Journal -NAR "30 Under 30" Finalist -Named Top 100 Most Influential People In Real Estate -Top 1% of Realtors/Team Leaders Worldwide -6000+ Homes Sold & Currently Selling 1+ Homes Daily -Featured In: Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Inman & Realtor Magazine -Realtor, Team Leader, Coach, Mentor

Lucas Sherraden hosts Nikki Miller on the Built How Podcast, where they dive into Nikki's unique journey from NFL sideline reporter to a successful real estate entrepreneur. Nikki shares her path to financial freedom, beginning with underwriting real estate deals and transitioning into agency work. Through resilience and strategic thinking, she built a thriving real estate business and founded the Lead Syndicate, ultimately selling it to Movoto Ojo. Nikki also discusses her current role as Vice President of Growth at Place, emphasizing the importance of connecting deeply with clients in the evolving real estate industry. ---------- Be sure to leave a rating and review and don't forget to go to www.builthow.com and register for our next live or virtual event. Part of the Win Make Give Podcast Network

You know what to do. Do you turn away or step forward? Sometimes the easiest choice is to stay comfortable. This teaching explores two responses to being guided—one shaped by avoidance, the other by attention—and how choosing comfort can quietly cost us more than we expect.  POD 283 1 Samuel 3. Eli and young Samuel

How do you save a startup when growth flatlines? Itai Sadan, co-founder of Duda, reveals the two critical pivots that saved his company: shifting from mobile-only to responsive design, and the controversial decision to ignore 50% of his customers (small businesses) to focus entirely on agencies. In this interview, Itai explains why AI is the new SEO, how to optimize your website for ChatGPT search, and why the combination of AI and human creativity is the future of web design. He also shares the hard truth about competing with giants like Wix and WordPress and why founders must sometimes make painful decisions to survive. Check out the company: https://duda.co

If social media were a literal ecosystem, it would be about as healthy as Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River in the 1960s—when it was so polluted it repeatedly caught fire. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode, I redefine sin not as moral failure or religious guilt, but as self-betrayal — any behaviour that pulls us out of alignment with our highest good. I then explore how what we label as "sin" is often an attempt to fill unacknowledged voids created by unmet needs, unresolved pain, or emotional wounds.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Sin is misalignment, not guilt. It's any action or habit that pulls you away from your highest self and inner truth. All sin attempts to fill a void. Behaviours we judge are often coping mechanisms for unmet needs and unresolved pain. Distraction delays healing. Ignoring the void strengthens patterns instead of resolving them. Awareness dissolves temptation. When pain is acknowledged with compassion, the need for external fixes naturally fades. HOST BIO I am Summer. A spiritual being having human experiences. From age 11 I have been obsessed with all things self-development; looking at it from every angle, in pursuit of finding answers for my life. Like all other humans I am figuring it out. Along the way I have discovered knowledge and concepts that have changed my existence and helped navigate my youth, The process of learning and undoing, growing, and evolving has led me right here. The host of 'Inner Wealth', where I bring together the most profound teachings I've learnt during my time here on earth; in hopes of making it a little easier for others to get to the same wisdom. Sharing the line of truth to living a prosperous life. The core of my purpose is to be of service to humanity.  CONTACT ME Follow me on Instagram for more insights and to stay up to date with the pod @innerwealth.podcast This podcast was brought to you by Frankly Podcasting.

Do you plan to hit your sales goals, or just hope you will? You set goals in January. By March, they are forgotten. It's because most salespeople confuse wanting something with planning for it.  “I want to close more deals this year.” That is not a goal. That is a wish. “I want to be better at prospecting.” Still not a goal. Just a vague intention that leads nowhere. Real sales goals require a system. Not motivation. Not inspiration. A repeatable process that turns big numbers into daily actions you can actually execute. This four-step sales goal planning system turns annual quotas into weekly, executable actions that salespeople can control and measure. Why Most Sales Goals Fail Before February Most salespeople treat goal-setting like a New Year's resolution. They write something down, feel good about it for a week, then watch it disappear under the weight of quota pressure and full calendars. Three things kill sales goals before they have a chance: Lack of specificity. Your brain cannot attach to something vague. There is no finish line, no way to measure progress, and no emotional connection to the outcome. No breakdown. Big numbers paralyze you. Looking at an annual quota feels impossible. Your brain shuts down. You don't know where to start, so you don't start at all. Zero accountability. Goals that live only in your head are easy to abandon. There is no consequence for missing them because nobody, including you, is really tracking them. Research consistently shows that people who write down specific, challenging goals and track them perform significantly better than those who rely on vague intentions or hope. The difference between hitting your number and missing it is having a systematic approach to sales goal planning and the discipline to execute it. Step 1: Identify Your Major Milestones Big goals overwhelm you. When you stare at “close $1.5 million this year,” your brain checks out. It feels too big, too far away, and too abstract. The first step in effective sales goal planning is breaking that number into key checkpoints. These milestones tell you whether you are on track or falling behind. For a $1.5 million annual goal: Q1: $375K Q2: $375K Q3: $375K Q4: $375K Now you are not chasing $1.5 million. You are chasing $375K this quarter. Still significant, but manageable. Take it further. What does $375K mean for your pipeline? If your average deal size is $50K, you need eight closed deals per quarter. If your close rate is 25 percent, you need 32 qualified opportunities in your pipeline each quarter to close those eight deals. Suddenly, that intimidating annual number becomes a concrete monthly target of roughly 11 qualified opportunities. You cannot control whether a deal closes, but you can control how many qualified opportunities you put in your pipeline. That is the number you chase. Step 2: List Your Specific Tasks Milestones tell you where you need to be. Tasks tell you how to get there. These numbers will vary based on your market, deal size, and conversion rates. The point is forcing your goal all the way down to weekly actions you can control. This step requires brutal honesty about the activities that actually generate results in your sales process. If you need 11 qualified opportunities per month and your prospecting-to-opportunity conversion rate is 10 percent, you need 110 prospecting conversations monthly. What does that look like in weekly tasks? 30 outbound calls 15 LinkedIn connection requests with personalized messages 10 follow-up emails to lukewarm prospects 3 referral conversations Assign realistic timeframes to each task. Making 30 calls doesn't require four hours. It requires 45 minutes of focused effort. Block the time, make the calls, move on. The more specific you get, the less room there is for excuses. You either completed the tasks or you did not. You are either on pace or you are behind. If you cannot list the specific weekly tasks required to hit your goal, you do not have a sales goal. You have a hope. Step 3: Consider Obstacles and Resources Every goal has obstacles waiting to derail it. Ignoring them does not make them disappear. Identify what will try to stop you, then plan around it. The biggest time killers in sales are rarely mysterious. Meetings that don't move deals forward. Prospects who will never buy but keep you engaged. Administrative tasks that someone else should handle. Reorganizing your CRM instead of filling it with opportunities. Here is how to expose them. Track your time for one week. Write down every activity in 30-minute blocks. No editing. No judgment. Just honest data. At the end of the week, categorize everything: Income-producing activities like prospecting, discovery, and closing Income-supporting activities like proposals, follow-up, and research Waste, which is everything else Most salespeople discover they spend less than 30 percent of their time on income-producing activities. If that is you, you just found out why you are not hitting your goals. Once you know where your time actually goes, you can protect the activities that matter. Block prospecting time before meetings start. Batch administrative work. Decline meetings where your presence adds no value. Now identify resource gaps. What do you need that you don't have? Skills you need to develop. Tools that would improve your results. Support from leadership to open doors with key accounts. Find these gaps early. Discovering you lack a critical skill in November is too late. Step 4: Stay Flexible Without Lowering the Goal Sales goal planning requires flexibility in tactics, not flexibility in commitment. Markets shift. Buyers change. Your original plan may need adjustment. That does not mean the destination changes. Review your goals monthly and let the data guide you. Ask three questions: Am I on track What's working What's not working If something is working, do more of it. If something isn't working, adjust your approach. For example, your data might show inconsistent execution, poor list quality, or weak follow-up. The answer is not abandoning foundational activities like cold calling. The answer is tightening your process, improving targeting, or reinforcing outreach with disciplined follow-up. Flexibility means adjusting how you execute, not lowering the standard because the work is harder than expected. Salespeople who hit ambitious goals stay flexible in their methods and uncompromising about the outcome. Monthly reviews keep you honest. They prevent you from wasting months on ineffective activity before realizing you are off track. Execute Your Sales Goal Planning System Take one goal right now. Write it down with a specific number and a deadline. Break it into three to five milestones. List the weekly tasks required. Identify your two biggest obstacles and the resources you need to overcome them. Then execute. Review weekly. Adjust monthly. Never stop driving toward the outcome. This system works because it eliminates ambiguity. You know what needs to happen this week. Obstacles don't blindside you because you planned for them. You aren't following a broken plan for six months because you built in regular reviews. While other salespeople hope for a good year, you will be executing a plan. While they react to whatever fires pop up, you will be proactively driving toward measurable outcomes. The difference between salespeople who hit their goals and those who do not is not talent or luck. It is having a systematic process for turning big goals into daily actions and the discipline to follow through when motivation fades. Sales goals don't fail because you lack desire—they fail because the plan isn't specific enough to execute. Download the FREE Goal Planning Guide to turn your sales goals into results. 

When you're just starting out in your career, the feedback loop is crystal clear. There's a cause and effect to your actions that lead to instantaneous rewards or consequences.  But the more success you achieve, the more muddled this signal becomes.  And the more distorted your signal, the more stressed and burnt out you become… while your confidence and self-esteem slowly evaporate.  Here's the worst part: A muddled signal is a sign from your internal environment that it needs a software update. But it's sneaky - fear disguises itself as prudence and internal consequences are delayed from your external world. And so, you push harder, exert more effort, and fall deeper into this vicious cycle.  But there's a better way…  In today's show, you'll discover why your signal becomes so muddled, how success exacerbates the distortion, and why cleaning your signal and gaining clarity requires a completely different approach to what you're doing now.  Listen now.  Show Highlights Include: The insidious "Degraded Clarity" trap that sneaks up on you and slowly spoils your success (and why most people don't even notice it) (1:23)  Have you silently watched your sense of ease vanish and get replaced with frustration? Here's the psychology behind why this happens, why it's more common than you think, and what you can do about it (2:47)  The "Tyranny of Metrics" mishap that happens between the external and internal world - and why this explains why your results can lead to peace and serenity (3:38)   The dark side of success nobody talks about (and only a select few actually understand) that undermines your judgment (4:44) What romanticizing the "Garage Phase" of your career means on a psychological and emotional level. (Ignoring this "shot across the bow" can teach your mind the exact opposite lesson.) (7:13)  How adapting to your environment dulls your career trajectory (even though the ability to adapt is a good and natural skill) (8:57)  Why internal constraints - not skill, effort, stress, or ambition - are the culprit behind hitting the invisible "upper limit" of growth (11:02)  How fear LARPs as prudence, experience, and even wisdom (15:52)  For more about David Tian, go here: https://www.davidtianphd.com/about/  Feeling like success in one area of life has come at the expense of another? Maybe you've crushed it in your career, but your relationships feel strained. Or you've built the life you thought you wanted, yet there's still something important missing. I've put together a free 3-minute assessment to help you see what's really holding you back. Answer a few simple questions, and you'll get instant access to a personalized masterclass that speaks directly to where you are right now. It's fast. It's practical. And it could change the way you approach leadership, love, and fulfillment. Take the first step here → https://dtphd.com/quiz

Kenneth didn't believe the house was haunted—at least not at first. The place was temporary, under renovation, and far from ideal, but he was caught up in the excitement of a new relationship. Still, the moment he stepped inside, something felt wrong. The air felt heavier. The mood shifted. Late one night, as the house fell silent, the ceiling fan began to move on its own—slowly, unnaturally—despite being turned off. It stopped… then started spinning the opposite direction. By morning, the unease hadn't faded. Over the next few days, the house escalated. Violent bangs shook the walls. Doors slammed without explanation. Locked spaces showed signs of movement that couldn't be traced. Electronics shrieked with static and distortion. Cold air appeared in one exact spot, like something unseen was standing there. This wasn't a typical haunting. Nothing announced itself. It watched. It reacted. And it didn't want them there. #RealGhostStories #TrueHaunting #HauntedHouse #ParanormalEncounter #Unexplained #TrueScaryStories #GhostActivity #DemonicWhispers #HauntingExperience #ParanormalPodcast #CreepyEncounters Love real ghost stories? Don't just listen—join us on YouTube and be part of the largest community of real paranormal encounters anywhere. Subscribe now and never miss a chilling new story:

THE DEATH OF PATROCLUS AND HECTOR Colleague Professor Emily Wilson. The tragedy culminates with Patroclus ignoring Achilles' warning, leading to his death by Hector and the loss of Achilles' armor. Wilson describes Achilles' terrifying return to battle, equipped with new armor from Hephaestus, and his slaughter of Trojans. The segment covers the final confrontation where Achilles kills Hector and, driven by vengeance, drags his body behind a chariot, denying him burial rights and intending to mutilate him forever. NUMBER 7 500 AD. MELEE.

I used to think PPC was just a big expense better left for the big guys with deep pockets. But here's the truth: if you've done a few deals, know how to talk to sellers, and can close, ignoring PPC is probably costing you way more than you realize.I brought on Brandon Bateman, one of the top PPC experts working with hundreds of investors around the country. We talked about what makes PPC leads so different, why most investors mess it up, and what it takes to actually make it work. If you're serious about doing more land deals without chasing cold leads all day, this is a game-changer.PPC isn't magic, and it's not for total beginners. But if you're already closing deals, know your numbers, and want more consistency without burning yourself out, this is the next step.What's Inside: —Why PPC leads convert faster and are more motivated than other types of leads—What makes PPC work and why most investors miss the mark—How fast follow-up makes or breaks your success with PPC—The real cost of PPC and why it's worth it when done right

Hey friend, I've been sitting with this past year—and not in a highlight-reel kind of way. The kind where you get honest about what it actually felt like. The kind where you notice patterns you didn't want to admit were still there. The kind where you realize… your body and your gut knew things long before your mind caught up. In today's podcast episode (Part 1), I'm sharing what this year revealed to me: what surprised me what stretched me what I ignored longer than I should have and how I've been learning to listen to my intuition again Not the loud, anxious voice. The quiet, steady knowing in your gut. This episode isn't about fixing anything. It's about awareness. Because you can't release what you won't first acknowledge. If you've felt tired, conflicted, or like something's been “off” but you couldn't name it—this one's for you. Give yourself permission to pause. The clarity comes when we stop rushing past ourselves.   Here are a few questions to ponder: If this past year had a theme, what would it be? When did my body or intuition try to get my attention this year? What did I know early on but talked myself out of? Where did I abandon myself this year? What did I tolerate that quietly drained me? What am I carrying that no longer fits who I'm becoming? Have questions for me? Let's set up a call. Email me at michelle@setfreesisterhood.com

8 Ways to Reduce Stress in the Workplace Episode Summary Workplace stress steals joy, drains productivity, and harms overall well being. In this episode, we break down eight practical strategies employees and leaders can use to reduce stress, rebuild clarity, and create healthier work environments. If left unchecked, stress can impact performance, morale, and mental health, but the right habits and boundaries can change everything. The Hidden Cost of Workplace Stress Stress is one of the biggest barriers to engagement and performance. Millions of workdays are lost each year due to stress, anxiety, and depression. Tight deadlines, heavy workloads, and lack of support are often the biggest contributors. Ignoring stress hurts people and companies. Addressing it helps everyone thrive. 8 Ways to Reduce Workplace Stress 1. Recognize the Early Signs Irritability, worry, trouble sleeping, shallow breathing, and trouble focusing are often the first signals. Understanding how stress shows up emotionally, physically, and behaviorally helps you catch it before it escalates. 2. Identify the Source Is it workload? Expectations? A demanding boss? Interpersonal conflict? Clarity helps you respond more intentionally and set healthier boundaries. 3. Set Clear Boundaries Boundaries communicate what is acceptable and sustainable. Whether it is availability, workload, or working hours, defining your limits reduces overload and protects your well being. 4. Evaluate Life Outside of Work Your routines matter. Poor sleep, rushed mornings, and lack of recovery time amplify workplace stress. Incorporate activities that reset your nervous system like yoga, exercise, or quiet mornings. 5. Practice Mindfulness Staying grounded in the present moment reduces anxiety about yesterday's mistakes or tomorrow's deadlines. Mindfulness, breathwork, and even aromatherapy can help calm the mind and increase clarity. 6. Stay Connected Strong relationships act as a buffer against stress. Talking with trusted friends, colleagues, or family helps you problem solve, feel supported, and maintain perspective. 7. Avoid Unhealthy Coping Habits Alcohol, junk food, caffeine overload, and smoking increase stress long term. Choose healthier outlets like movement, meditation, and nourishing routines to support your mental and physical health. 8. Work Smarter, Not Harder Multitasking increases errors and stress. Focus on single tasking, prioritizing what matters most, and organizing your workload in a manageable way. Efficiency reduces pressure. Why Employers Should Care Healthy employees perform better. Organizations that prioritize well being experience higher morale, stronger retention, and greater productivity. Flexible work options, reasonable expectations, appreciation, and opportunities for connection all reduce workplace stress. Final Takeaway Stress does not have to dominate your work life. When employees understand the signals, identify the root causes, and take proactive steps to manage stress, everyone benefits. When leaders support this effort, workplace culture transforms. Reducing stress is possible – and it starts with awareness, boundaries, connection, and smarter working habits.

In this episode we'll talk about:What it means to listen to your body — beyond trends or jargonHow the body signals truth before the mind catches upThe cost of overriding physical and emotional cuesWhy rest is often information, not avoidanceHow intuition lives in sensation, not just thoughtSimple ways to rebuild trust with your bodyand more. CONNECT WITH ME…→ Instagram — @mattgottesman→ My Substack — mattgottesman.substack.com → Apparel — thenicheisyou.comRESOURCES…→ Recommended Book List — CLICK HERE→ Masterclass — CLICK HEREWORKSHOPS + MASTERCLASS:→ Need MORE clarity? - Here's the FREE… 6 Days to Clarity Workshop - clarity for your time, energy, money, creativity, work & play→ Write, Design, Build: Content Creator Studio & OS - Growing the niche of you, your audience, reach, voice, passion & incomeOTHER RELATED EPISODES:Faith Isn't Knowing the Whole Path… It's Taking the Next Honest StepApple: https://apple.co/3MB62IuSpotify: https://bit.ly/4rZw3RN

S9 E7 — Your body is trying to tell you something. Are you listening? In this episode, corporate lawyer Justin Whitmel Earley joins Amy Julia Becker to explore how spiritual life is also embodied life. As you reflect on the year ahead, this conversation invites you to think not in terms of resolutions, but in terms of habits that nurture health and wholeness. Justin and Amy Julia reflect on:How breathing can reconnect body and soulHow fasting, feasting, and everyday meals contribute to the spiritual lifeHow to understand pain and sickness in a world that is both beautiful and brokenWhy sleep matters spiritually00:00 Intro: Anxiety Journey05:20 The Body and Soul Connection09:25 Cultural Disconnect14:46 Breath: A Practice to Reconnect Body and Soul23:35 Food: Fasting, Feasting, and Ordinary Fare32:08 Understanding Pain and Sickness in a Broken World38:18 The Spiritual Significance of Sleep_MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Bible verses: Ephesians 2; Genesis 1-2; Genesis 2:7; Genesis 2:9; Psalm 23Kelly Kapic interview with Amy JuliaEmbodied Hope by Kelly Kapic_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:Justin Whitmel Earley is a writer, speaker, and lawyer. He is the author of The Common Rule, Habits of the Household, and Made for People, though he spends most days running his business law practice. Through his writing and speaking, Justin empowers God's people to thrive through life-giving habits that form them in the love of God and neighbor. He continually explores both how physical habits are more spiritual than we think and how spiritual habits are more physical than we think. He lives with his wife and four boys in Richmond, Virginia, spends a lot of time around fires and porches with friends, and is a part-owner of a local gym. You can follow him online at justinwhitmelearley.com.ONLINE:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justinwhitmelearleyauthor/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinwhitmelearley/X: https://x.com/Justin_W_EarleyYouTube: www.youtube.com/@justinwhitmelearley163We want to hear your thoughts. Send us a text!Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

Send us a textUnlock Proven Strategies for a Lucrative Business Exit—Subscribe to The Deep Wealth Podcast TodayHave Questions About Growing Profits And Maximizing Your Business Exit? Submit Them Here, and We'll Answer Them on the Podcast!“The breakthrough you've been chasing isn't out there, it's right beneath your feet, hidden inside the parts of your business you've stopped noticing.”- Jeffrey FeldbergExclusive Insights from This Week's EpisodesIn this holiday special, Jeffrey Feldberg delivers a raw, transformative story that forces you to rethink everything. You'll learn to spot overlooked opportunities in your customers, processes, culture, and relationships, boosting profits, enterprise value, and legacy without endless grinding. 00:03 Why this holiday moment offers rare clarity for entrepreneurs00:07 The Acres of Diamonds story and its timeless meaning00:11 How comparison distorts perception and derails opportunity00:19 What buyers saw in Embanet that Jeffrey couldn't see00:23 Why diamonds rarely look like diamonds at first00:29 The gratitude exercise that deepens awareness and leadership00:33 Why joy and fulfillment come from the journey, not the finish line00:38 A vision for the best year of your life based on inward focus00:41 How to identify your first “diamond.” Click here for full show notes, transcript, and resources:https://podcast.deepwealth.com/503Essential Resources to Maximize Your Business ExitLearn More About Deep Wealth MasteryFREE Deep Wealth eBook on Why You Suck At Selling Your Business And What You CanUnlock Your Lucrative Exit and Secure Your Legacy

  Episode Summary: Is emotional intelligence the ultimate superpower? In this episode, we dive into how mastering your emotions can improve every relationship and professional interaction you have. We discuss why reacting instantly is almost always a mistake and share a 3-step action plan to help you control your impulses, understand your own feelings, and become a master communicator. Learn how to use the "Six-Second Rule," the power of a "Draft Folder Policy," and how to truly listen without just waiting for your turn to speak. Key Takeaways & Action Steps: ·        Why EQ Matters: Emotional intelligence isn't just about being "nice." It is about effectiveness. Dealing with humans requires a skill set that goes beyond logic. ·        Step 1: Master the Gap: o   The Six-Second Rule: Anger causes a chemical flush in the brain that lasts about six seconds. If you can pause for just that long (drink water, take a breath), you can regain control. o   The Draft Folder Policy: Never send an angry email or text immediately. Write it, save it, and sleep on it. You will almost always edit or delete it the next day. o   Control the Space: You can't control the delayed flight, but you can control your reaction. "If the flight is delayed, there is something wrong with the plane, the pilot, or the weather—and you don't want to be on it anyway." ·        Step 2: Name it to Tame it: o   Engage Logic: When you specifically name an emotion (e.g., "I feel disrespected" instead of just "I'm mad"), your brain shifts from the emotional center to the logic center, instantly lowering stress. o   Separate Self from Feeling: Stop saying "I am angry." Start saying "I am experiencing anger." You are not the emotion; you are the vessel experiencing it. ·        Step 3: The Listener's Lens: o   Stop Reloading: Most people aren't listening; they are just waiting for their turn to talk. Stop reloading your next argument and actually hear what is being said. o   The Looping Technique: Before you respond, summarize what the other person said ("So what I hear you saying is..."). This validates them and clarifies any misunderstandings before they blow up. o   Validate to Influence: You don't have to agree with someone to validate their feelings ("That sounds frustrating"). Connection precedes influence. Quotes from the Episode: ·        "Anger causes a chemical flush in your brain that lasts about six seconds. If you can pause, you win." ·        "Stop reloading. Stop waiting for your turn to speak and actually listen." ·        "You can't fire a behavior, but you can change it. Name it to tame it." ·        "If you only have short-term friends, look in the mirror. You might be the problem." Action Plan: 1.   Practice the 6-Second Pause: Next time you feel triggered, count to six before doing anything. 2.   Use the "Draft" Rule: Commit to waiting 24 hours before sending any difficult communication. 3.   Try "Looping": In your next conversation, repeat back what you heard before you offer your opinion. ARN Suggested Reading: Blessings In the Bullshit: A Guided Journal for Finding the BEST In Every Day – by Mark Cardone & Theron Feidt https://www.amazon.com/Blessings-Bullshit-Guided-Journal-Finding/dp/B09FP35ZXX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=blessings+in+the+bullshit&qid=1632233840&sr=8-1 Full List of Recommended Books: https://www.achieveresultsnow.com/readers-are-leaders Questions? 1.   Do you have a question you want answered in a future podcast? 2.   Go to www.AchieveResultsNow.com to submit. Connect with Us: Get access to some of the great resources that we use at: www.AchieveResultsNow.com/success-store www.AchieveResultsNow.com www.facebook.com/achieveresultsnow www.twitter.com/nowachieve Thank you for listening to the Achieve Results NOW! Podcast.  The podcast that gives you immediate actions you can take to start seeing life shifting results NOW!

I messed up on these episodes .I am putting out this episode without cuts. The AI, I used has been cutting things off. I apologize. Hopefully, someone else will learn from my mistake. Welcome to the DMF! I'm Justin Younts, and in this episode, Christine La Monte shares an extraordinary creative journey that began in Rome in 2012. That pivotal moment marked her introduction to a gifted young filmmaker, Maxime Derevenko, who would later emerge as an influential voice in the worlds of opera and film.Christine reflects on how their collaboration grew through shared curiosity, mentorship, and artistic trust—eventually leading to a powerful opera project rooted in themes of social justice, peace, and human connection. As the world entered the uncertainty of the pandemic, this work took on even greater meaning, becoming a testament to the resilience of artists and the enduring power of creativity.She discusses the profound experience of collaborating with Ai Weiwei and the Rome Opera House, and how that partnership offered a bold, global perspective on art's role in times of crisis. Despite having only eight performances, the opera stood as a beacon of hope and reflection during a moment when art felt more essential than ever.Christine emphasizes the importance of mentorship and nurturing emerging talent, sharing how storytelling through art can elevate consciousness and inspire meaningful dialogue. In this conversation, she invites us to explore a world where every voice matters and creativity becomes a force for change.Join us as we celebrate the power of collaboration, storytelling, and art's ability to guide us toward a brighter future.00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:06 - Beginning of Film Career00:00:25 - Meeting Maxime Derevenko00:01:55 - Working with Ai Weiwei00:04:42 - Impact of COVID-1900:05:31 - Restarting in 202200:06:59 - Reflections on the Film00:07:47 - Film's Oscar Consideration00:08:22 - Role of Activism00:09:19 - Teaching at the School of Visual Arts00:11:01 - Reflections on Film Industry00:12:22 - Looking Back at Career00:13:31 - Passion for Teaching00:14:47 - Importance of Art and Culture00:16:20 - Closing Thoughts00:17:04 - Conclusion

Julia Karungi, the founder of Bubbly Limited, a company focused on natural and biodegradable cleaning products in Uganda shares her shift from the restaurant business to creating natural oil and hygiene products, overcoming challenges in a market dominated by chemical-based cleaners. With her insights into how COVID-19 changed hygiene practices and the importance of sustainable solutions, Julia highlights the opportunities for new graduates and policymakers in the manufacturing and hygiene sectors. Discover how Babbly is combating epidemics through better hygiene practices and what it takes to build a middle-class economy in Uganda.00:00 Introduction to Natural Oil SOS00:49 Challenges in Personal Hygiene01:12 Meet Julia Karungi: Founder of Babbly Limited01:42 Journey into the Hygiene Industry02:08 Impact of COVID-19 on Hygiene Practices03:41 Transition to Cleaning Products05:44 Opportunities in the Hygiene Sector08:30 Training and Mentorship Initiatives11:38 Personal Motivation and Business Growth15:50 Connecting Personal Journey to Business16:13 Challenges in Business Registration and Taxation17:55 Navigating Industry Regulations and Training19:25 Government Support and Market Penetration21:01 Achieving a Middle-Class Economy24:59 Sustainability and Natural Products27:47 Impact of COVID-19 on Lifestyle Choices29:03 Conclusion and Contact InformationFollow up on LinkedIn with her anywhere in her namesShare your feedback on what you think it will take for Uganda to achieve a middle class economy, and inquiries at onuganda@gmail.com or WhatsApp +25678537996. PODCAST DISCLAIMER. The views and opinions expressed in the episode are those of the individuals. They do not represent or reflect the official position of the ON Uganda Podcast, so we do not take responsibility for any ideas expressed by guests during the Podcast episode. You are smart enough to take out what works for you.As of 4.06.25

If your clinic isn't showing up on Google, you're handing patients and revenue to competitors. In this episode, you'll hear why ignoring SEO costs more than you think and how optimizing your online presence drives real growth.You'll discover:Why SEO matters for clinicsThe impact of skipping or pausing your SEO effortsHow to boost visibility, attract qualified patients, and increase revenueA simple way to calculate how much money you may be leaving on the tableWhether you're curious about SEO or ready to turn website traffic into foot traffic, this episode gives you clear, actionable steps to grow your clinic sustainably.Episode guide, blog post & show notes: https://propelyourcompany.com/hidden-price-of-ignoring-seo/Send in your questions. ❤ We'd love to hear from you!NEW Webinar: How to dominate Google Search, Google Maps, AI-driven search results, and get more new patients.>> Save your spot

Talking yourself into staying? Ignoring the voice telling you it's time to go? That heaviness in your gut is the answer. You're settling because it feels safer than facing the unknown, but it's costing you more than you realize. Ready to wake up? Casiah West and I are here to shake you out of it.Follow the pod on ⁠⁠⁠IG⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠.⁠⁠Follow Chloe on ⁠⁠IG⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ ⁠Follow Casiah and her pod

  Do you understand what the Bible says, if you see these type of people in need and you just go on your daily selfish life? Do you understand that the Bible has strong warnings against that type of behavior and attitude. He says, "If you help the least of my little ones, you're helping me." I believe someday in heaven, when the, the books are opened and, and, uh, some people are gonna literally be condemned, they'll say, "Why? Why?

Dreamerspro Declares the Lakers Season Over After Latest Turn, Video Shows Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers Ignoring Ty Lue, Lakers Make a Key Decision on Bronny James After Injury Loss, Charles Barkley Reveals the Night His Friendship With Michael Jordan Ended Download the PrizePicks app today and use code CLNS and get $50 instantly when you play $5! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Father Robert Sirico joins Freddy Gray to discuss the imprisonment of Jimmy Lai – the British passport holder and Hong Kong media tycoon facing life in jail for opposing the Chinese Communist Party. Sirico reflects on Lai's rise from poverty, his Catholic faith, the collapse of freedoms in Hong Kong, and why the West has failed to mount a serious campaign for his release.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seven Ways to Know You're in the Will of God • Sunday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Seven Ways to Know You're in the Will of God (And How You Know When You're Not) Let me tell you something up front: The will of God is not a mystery! Religion paints this picture like God is hiding His will from you, and you've got to stumble around in the dark hoping you trip into it. No! God's will is clear, God's will is knowable, and God's will brings you into blessing and kingdom advancement. If you're not in the will of God, you're wasting time, spinning your wheels, and giving the devil a foothold in your life. But when you're in His will, you don't just survive—you multiply, you advance, and you shake the nations for Christ. 1. Peace in Your Spirit Scripture: “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” — Colossians 3:15 (NKJV) 2. Confirmation by the Word of God Scripture: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105 (NKJV) 3. Fruitfulness and Multiplication Scripture: “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?” — Matthew 7:16 (NKJV) 4. Open Doors by God's Hand Scripture: “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” — Revelation 3:8 (NKJV) 5. The Witness of the Holy Spirit Scripture: “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” — Romans 8:16 (NKJV) 6. Provision in the Assignment Scripture: “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 (NKJV) 7. Advancing the Kingdom of God Scripture: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) How You Know You're NOT in the Will of God Let me hit this quickly and clearly. The Bible shows us markers of being outside His will: 1. Confusion and unrest. “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace.” — 1 Corinthians 14:33 (NKJV) 2. Compromise against Scripture. “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you… let him be accursed.” — Galatians 1:8 (NKJV) 3. Lack of fruit. “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered.” — John 15:6 (NKJV) 4. Constant striving with no breakthrough. “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV) 5. Ignoring conviction. “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” — Ephesians 4:30 (NKJV) 6. Living in lack. “You have sown much, and bring in little… he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes.” — Haggai 1:6 (NKJV) 7. Self-glory instead of God's glory. “I am the Lord, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another.” — Isaiah 42:8 (NKJV) Conclusion Friend, the will of God is not something you have to stumble into—it's something you step into by faith and obedience. When you're in His will, peace rules your heart, doors open, fruit multiplies, provision flows, and the Kingdom advances. When you're out of it, confusion reigns, doors slam shut, provision dries up, and your life feels like pushing a boulder uphill. Make up your mind tonight: I will live in the center of God's will. I will not be distracted. I will not compromise. I will not settle. Because when you're in His will—you're unstoppable.

We love to say we're Agile… but then we bury our teams under complexity, overstuffed user stories, bloated processes, and “just in case” documentation.In this episode, Kate Megaw and Ryan Smith unpack one deceptively simple piece of Scrum wisdom inspired by a quote from Steven Merchant: You can always simplify.From product backlog items that read like novels, to daily scrums that feel like executive status meetings, to processes that exist only because “that's the rule” - this conversation dives into why teams overcomplicate, how fear sneaks into our work, and what Scrum looks like when we finally let go.If your teams feel busy but not effective, this one's for you.

Elf on a Shelf: Part 2 Life in hob-along mode. Based on a post by LingeringAfterthought, in 3 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. When she woke the next morning, Zach was standing next to the bed with a pain pill and a glass of water. "Terry's gonna be here in about half an hour. I could make you some breakfast?" he said, putting the pill and the water into her hand. Honey shook her head, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. "I'd; I'd like to take a shower before I go; if that's okay," she asked. "Right; uh; I'll just set it up for you. I'll get your things together after you're done in there; if you still want to go, that is; Honey closed her eyes and nodded, "Thank you," she whispered, unable to look at the silent pleading in his face. When the shower was ready, Zach carried her down the stairs and set her down in his large walk-in shower on the bathing chair he'd set up for her. "I, uh; I warmed up the water. The; soap and shampoo stuff is right here," he said, gesturing to a collection of bottles put down within her reach. "If you need anything, I'll be right; right here," he said, sitting down on the toilet, looking like he didn't know what to do with his hands. Honey nodded and took off her nightgown and panties, putting them on the floor outside the shower. She leaned down and began unwrapping the velcro the straps on her boot, finding that she couldn't reach the last one. She opened her mouth to ask for help, but Zach was already sliding the door open to undo it for her. When he disassembled the boot around her foot and lifted it away, a slight whimper escaped her when the motion bumped her ankle slightly. Zach's eyes flashed to hers as she tried to cover herself with her arms, "I'm okay," she whispered. Clenching his jaw, Zach nodded, stood and left the stall. The water felt like heaven after the sad sponge baths she had given herself in bed. Her skin came alive in the heat and flushed a deep pink. "Is that too hot? You're getting red," Zach said, standing next to the door looking concerned. "No; it's perfect," she sighed. She twisted around to reach the shampoo and tipped it over, groaning as she watched it roll out of reach. Zach reached into the stall and returned it to her, growling in annoyance as he watched her try to squeeze some out with only one fully functional arm. Soon, he stepped into the shower with her, clad only in his underwear. "I don't know how you think you're going to do this by yourself; he grumbled, glaring at her as he massaged the shampoo into her long hair. "I'll figure it out; put a folding chair in the tub or something," she said, trying not to notice that the fabric of his underwear was leaving nothing to the imagination the wetter it got. "A fucking folding chair will slip. I'll send this one with you. You still can't reach shit, though." "I haven't done this before. I'll get better as I go." "Yeah, but until then, you'll; Look, you need to give me a call when you; so that I know you're okay." "You wouldn't be able to hear me talk; the water makes this growling noise," she said. "Well, why the fu; never mind. You call me before and after. No longer than 10 minutes, or I send Terry." "And he just does whatever you tell him? You're really kinda bossy." "Glad we sorted that out. Put your head back." With a smirk, Honey leaned back, letting him support her with his arm as he rinsed the shampoo out of her hair. After one minute, Zach began swearing under his breath. "I've been rinsing this shit out of your hair forever and there's still more! How the fuck is this possible?" Honey began giggling, despite the pain it caused her shoulder. "I guess you should allow me longer than 10 minutes to shower, then; she murmured. "Ten fucking minutes, or I send Terry." "Do you have any conditioner?" "Any what?" "Never mind," Honey said, trying to control her face. When he finally released her from being rinsed, Honey grabbed the loofa and put some body wash on it, washing what she could reach with her right arm while Zach glared down at her. "Oh, for fuck's sake," he grated, roughly taking the fluffy sponge from her and then washing her with surprising gentleness. When he delicately supported and washed her broken ankle, he waited until he finished before looking up at her, "Remember, doctor says you can take off your boot for a while now and then, so that should help with the smell. I'll pack the extra sock so you can put a clean one on and wash the; well, just how the fuck are you going to do the laundry?" he asked, as if she created the concept of dirty laundry just to bother him. "Hand wash?" she suggested. "That won't work for these boot socks! They smell like gangrene or some shi;" "Well, now you're just flirting; she said, smiling up at him. For a moment Zach's face went completely blank, his eyes slowly traveling down her naked body as his face turned bright red, then he turned away and cursed under his breath again. "Grab onto my arm and I'll finish you up," he said, clenching his jaw and holding out his forearm to her, as he diligently looked away. Cautiously, she took his arm and tried to stand, rising wobbly on her left leg. Before she could gain her balance, her hand slipped on his wet arm and he pulled her tightly against him before she could fall. Body to body, they clung on to each other in the hot spray, each of them shaking. "Honey; you may notta noticed, but I'm hanging on by a fucking thread, here," Zach said quietly in her ear, "Try not to get yourself killed for two seconds." Honey nodded and wrapped her arms around his waist so that he could move his arms again. She felt him move the loofah between her legs and begin washing her private area, looking around the shower stall as he did. When Honey cringed and her breath hissed between her teeth, he stopped, "What's wrong?" he asked, looking down at her face. "It's; rough; she said, quietly. "Yeah, but it was fine when; oh; right; sensitive. Okay; he said, swallowing as he tossed the loofah aside and hesitantly reached his fingers between her legs. Honey leaned her forehead on his chest and closed her eyes, gasping when his fingers made contact. "Is that; is that okay?" he asked. She nodded and tried to move her legs further apart for him. Zach gently washed her, trying to think of sports scores, laxative commercials, or the accounts payable at the club, but inevitably his cock noticed that he was holding the woman of his dreams naked in his arms. When she shifted against him, trying to keep her balance, a breathy grunt escaped him as she inadvertently rubbed against him. "I'm sorry; she whispered, trying to give him more room. "Don't be; you're perfect; it's fine; he said, trying to think about anything but how it would feel to slide his cock between her slippery lips right at that moment. "Let me just get the; water; he gritted, reaching for the shower sprayer and directing it between her legs. Honey gasped and whimpered as the water pulsed against her clit, down her labia and over her anus again and again, feeling Zach's eyes on her as he did it, intensely absorbing her every reaction. She trembled as she held on to him, trying to remain calm. Finally, she raised her eyes up to him and opened her wet lips and whispered, "Zach; ?" "Hey, how do you guys want your eggs?" Terry asked, sticking his head into the bathroom. "Get The Fuck Out Of Here, Maggot!" Zach roared, as Honey squealed and released him, quickly ducking down to where Terry couldn't see her on the shower chair. "Scrambled, it is," Terry said, ducking out of the bathroom and leaving them alone again. Zach watched Honey begin to shiver as the room cooled off and handed her a towel. "Let me know when you're dry and I'll wrap up your leg again," he said, looking around the bathroom uncomfortably before wrapping a towel around his waist and taking off his wet underwear from underneath. After securing her ankle in the air cast, Zach carried her back up to the bedroom, turned his back to her, and blocked Terry's kitchen view of the loft as Honey dressed. When she finished, Zach turned around again, his mouth hardening into a grim line when he saw she had put on her elf dress again. "You're; going, then," he said, frowning as he watched her wince at the pain in her shoulder as she tried to tie the thick red ribbon belt behind her back. He stepped behind her and took the belt out of her hands and began brusquely tying it. "I want you to stay," he said to the back of her head, tugging the loops into a tight knot. Honey hobbled around to face him, "Enough to tell me why you wanted to send that message to someone?" she asked him, her dark blue eyes somber. "You; you wouldn't want to stay if I did," he murmured, stroking the soft velvet covering her arms. "Then, I guess I should go," she said, looking away before she could start crying again. "Wow, nice apartment!" Terry said, following Honey inside her apartment with the bag of her clothes. "The blood stains really bring the room together; "Say what you will, it's all mine," she said, hobbling over to the sofa and curling up, exhausted. "Here's your mail. I gotta text Zach, he's going nuts; well, more than usual, anyway," he said, handing her a stack of envelopes. "Arrived at hellhole; Angel has typhoid; the tweakers give their love; send food stamps," he said aloud, typing into his phone as Honey went through her mail. "Let me go set up the bath chair; just the thing to class up the joint," he said, disappearing to the bathroom. When Terry returned, he found Honey white as a sheet, reading a letter. "Whoa, kid; you okay? Need a pain pill? Let me take you back to Zach's. You look like you really do have typhoid; he said, kneeling down next to her. "Um; yeah, I'm fine," she said faintly, then cleared her throat. "Would; would you mind taking that laptop with you when you go deliver the charity gifts to the firm? They; asked me to send it back; probably upgrading; she said, quickly wiping the tears off her cheeks. Terry watched her for a long moment, his face grim, and don't mention it to Zach?" he finished. "Um; probably not?" Honey choked. "Ah, Honey; you have hospital bills. This is where a sensible person starts telling themself, 'Hey self, maybe I should go back to that really great guy that wants to take care of me," Terry said, closing her laptop and wrapping the power cord around it. "If he's such a great guy, why does he send people messages like this?" she asked, holding up the screenshot to him. After staring at the screen for a while, Terry let out a low whistle, "Now, see, Zach just puts it right out there. You gotta respect that. No wonder he got so much ass. He send this to you?" "He said he meant to send it to someone else, but what are you talking about? He sent this to me on our first date when he went to the restroom! I thought he wanted to kill me!" Terry canted his head and looked at the screenshot again, "Oh; yeah, I could see that. Especially if you got it without the dick pic," he said, nodding sympathetically. "No, see, this was sort of a sex S O S, if you will. A guy goes out with a girl like you, it's like a high-wire act. He gets all wound up, needs to blow off some steam, sends out a flare hoping someone can help him take the edge off things so you don't find out what a high-strung, rough sex freak he is. You're a big deal. He just didn't want to scare you off, Angel," Terry explained. "He; he wanted to go have sex with someone else after our date??" Honey yelled, incensed. "Only because he *liked* you so much!" Terry argued, winsomely. Just then, Honey's phone rang in his hand and he tapped the screen, "Honey's phone!" he answered. "Don't Ever Talk To Me Again!" Honey yelled at her phone when she saw it was Zach's number. "Ah yeah?" Terry said, holding the phone to his ear. "Yeah. Right. Be right over," he said, disconnecting the call and handing the phone back to Honey. "What did he say?" Honey asked, grinding her teeth. Terry leaned over and flipped her phone back to the screenshot that had frightened her so much, "Yeah; pretty much that; just without the sex. See you when I get out of the hospital, kid," he sighed. During the next week, Honey took a bus to the city hall offices and applied for unemployment, used the library computers to send out her resume and read her email, and got no calls whatsoever from Zach. Gatsby's, however, started having trouble with their delivery service and three meals a day were accidentally delivered to her disreputable apartment. When she called Gatsby's about it, she was assured they were working on it and were sure to fix the delivery service problem; as soon as they got a delivery service. The following week, Honey got a knock at her door. Promising herself she would open the door only for the pleasure of slamming it shut in the visitor's stupid, handsome face, Honey hobbled up and looked through the peep hole. It wasn't who she expected, though. "Um, hi; she said, opening the door a bit and tightening her robe. "Hi Honey, I'm Jeff. You probably don't remember;" "I remember you," Honey said, opening the door wider. "Please come in." "Thank you," he said, coming in and standing with his coat over his arm as she hobbled back to the couch. "Jeff, I always wanted to call Gatsby's and thank you; you know, for what you did," Honey said. "For the 'angel shot.' I didn't realize I was on a date with the owner, at the time. I hope it didn't make trouble for you," she said. "You're kidding, right? He fired me on the spot," Jeff laughed. "Oh no; she said, covering her face with her hands. "Oh, I'm so sorry." "No, it's okay. He hired me back as a manager a couple weeks ago. Said anyone who had the balls to do what it took to protect you, even from him, that was someone he wanted taking care of his customers. Actually said that, looking back, if you had been scared enough to ask someone for help back then and they *didn't* help you, well, he'd probably want to go find them and; and; well, the details don't matter, and they're probably illegal, anyway. The point is, we're good." "Oh, that's; that's good to hear. Is this about the delivery service problem, then?" "We don't have a delivery service." "Well, yeah, I know. I mean the meals that Zach is making you send me." "Um; I'm probably going to get my life threatened for telling you this, but we're not sending you meals. Zach's popping in and out with a lot of takeout boxes under his arm, but Gatsby's isn't sending you any meals, Honey. That's; that's all Zach." "Oh; Honey said, her cheeks warming. "Yeah, no I came to ask if you'd be interested in a job." Honey laughed, "I appreciate it, but don't think I'd make much of a waitress right now." "Actually, I kinda had something else in mind; Honey's heart pounded as the music swelled and she felt the platform descend, her legs dangling down clad in candy cane striped stockings and curled-toe shoes. Her dress was the same pink velvet and white fur trim costume as before, but the fabric was far more luscious and expensive than the dress she'd worn in the mall. It had arrived at her door with a seamstress tasked with making it fit flawlessly. Honey's eyes were closed out of habit, getting ready to sing for the clientele of the great room as Gatsby's "Elf on a Shelf." She knew he was out there. He always came out of hiding when she sang. A smile curled across her face as she felt the spotlight warm her body. She opened her eyes. After the show, Honey stripped off her tights and a stage hand gave her the air cast as soon as the platform had risen out of sight. Gingerly, she eased her leg back into the boot and began strapping herself in again. As she reached the last fastener, two large hands took the straps out of hers and began wrapping them expertly. Honey blushed and looked aside as Zach did it, and tried not to roll her eyes when he checked the other two straps to be sure she had secured them properly. His eyes wandered over her with nervous adoration, like he still couldn't quite convince himself she was real; even after the mundane work of feeding her, dressing her, and cleaning her all those days up in his loft. "Did you like the show?" she asked quietly, looking up at him with a small smile. Zach sighed with relief, having received tacit permission to speak to her again. "Yes," he said. "Did you really like it?" she asked, her eyes twinkling, her smile growing bigger. "I really; really liked it," Zach said, nodding and pulling at the collar of the dress shirt that was having trouble containing him. He seemed to have only grown larger in their weeks apart. "So much that you want to go have rough sex with somebody else tonight?" she asked, her large and deceptively innocent, twinkling eyes skewering him. Zach's mouth set, "I; I don't do that anymore. I exercise," he said quietly, reddening and looking away from her. "Oh; I see," Honey said, nodding. Ignoring the hands he offered her, Honey rolled herself onto her good knee and clumsily pushed herself back up into a standing position, her skirt flashing him as she rose. "What the fuck is that?" Zach yelled, pulling her skirt up to where a large purpling bruise was blooming on her hip. Honey bit her lips and forced her face to stop grinning before she turned and faced him again. "What's what?" she asked innocently. "What the hell do you think? That fucking huge purple ass-shiner you're walking around with! Where the fuck did that come from?" he roared. "Oh, that? I slipped. You know, it's icy out there; she said brightly, patting his chest and hobbling past him to her dressing room. Zach clenched his hands and followed her, growling things under his breath that would make a sailor blush. She wobbled into the dressing room, leaving the door open behind her, wondering if he would follow her in. He didn't, but instead stood there in the doorway glowering at her like a gargoyle as she pulled some clothes out of a large Gatsby's takeout bag. Honey's ribs were beginning to hurt from trying not to laugh. Honey breath hissed through her teeth as she reached behind her, fumbling with the knot of her wide red ribbon belt, her shoulder still healing from the dislocation. Before long, she heard muttered curses and large feet stomp into the room and push her hands aside, untying the belt for her. She smiled her thanks up at him over her shoulder, and moved her hair aside so he could help her with the zipper. Carefully, he smoothed some more of her hairs aside and slowly lowered the clasp. "So, um; how would it have worked?" she asked quietly, the softness of her voice making him lean in to hear her. Zach cleared his throat, "How would what have worked?" he asked, his breath falling warm on her neck as he tried to unclasp the tiny hook at top of the dress with his large fingers. "If we'd gotten together that night; if I'd never got that message," she said. Zach closed his eyes and shook his head. "I would've taken you home. Maybe tried for a kiss at your door, if you looked like you wanted it," he said, his voice hoarse. "Cheek or lips?" she asked. He sighed, "Who am I kidding? I would've passed out from not breathing by the time I got that close." "And those; other things; would you have wanted to do those things to me? To hurt me; to scare me?" she asked, her voice shaking. Zach turned her to look her in the eye, and she wrapped her arms around herself, keeping the unzipped, loose elf dress from falling down. "No Honey," he swore, shaking his head emphatically, cupping her face and holding her tightly. "God no. Never. Never ever. I would've never let you see that side of me. I'd give it up. I gave it up. I'd go run ten miles before I even;" his impassioned vows were interrupted by a loud crack as a delicate hand slapped him across the face. "How dare you?" Honey said, trembling with fury before she winced and cradled her hand to her chest as Zach blinked slowly in disbelief, trying to process what had happened. "That's for deciding you'd just have a boring, unsatisfied sex life with me without even asking what I wanted, you; you overbearing ass! That's for offering only a part of yourself to me! That's for ruining our beautiful date because you were ashamed of the man I lo;" Honey's uncharacteristic rage was interrupted by Zach's mouth descending on hers and claiming it furiously, pressing her against the wall as her dress fell to the floor. The kiss ended almost as quickly as it began, and Zach pulled away from her, his face a twitching, terrifying storm as he stared down at her. He wrapped his hand around the slender wrist of her only functional arm and pressed it to the wall over her head. "You don't hit me like that; ever," he said quietly, breathing hard through flared nostrils. Honey trembled, staring up into his blazing eyes almost panting against him in terror; but also in something else. The corner of Zach's mouth curled when he saw her deep blue eyes dilate hugely, a heady, familiar scent rising up between them. "You don't fucking hit anyone like that; goddamn amateur. You wanna break your wrist? Jesus Christ. Get your ass dressed and I'll take you home, you little freak," he growled, turning around to give her privacy and hide the huge smile he couldn't stop from covering his face. When Honey came up panting for air, she was pressed against the wall of Zach's loft as he fumbled with the locks of his door with one hand. She was making good progress at getting his shirt off, but it kept bunching up around his arms, and the cuffs were still a problem she didn't even want to think about. Even so, she was blissfully occupied with the acres of warm bare skin and muscle that she had excavated. "This isn't my home; she said, looking around bewildered, "why does everyone get my address wrong?" "Probably because they've blocked it out after seeing your place. Shut up and tell me what you want," Zach said, carrying her over to the stairs until he saw a bit of her lower lip he needed to bite and had to take a break to do it properly. "Look, don't give me names, because then I'd have to kill 'em, but tell me what makes you hot, Honey; we're gonna do all of it and more. I'm making your dreams come true, tonight," he said, winding his hand in her hair as she dropped her head back to give him her neck. "Oh! Um; I liked it when;" "No names," he reminded her, covering her mouth. "Right; well, this one guy, he um; he wore a towel around his waist and bent over his dresser to look for his underwear? And this other time, he held this spoon out to me and I opened my mouth and he fed me. And; and; um; in the shower, he; he held me against him in the water and;" "Honey, are all these stories gonna be about me?" "Um; yeah?" "That's sweet of you, tryin' to keep me outta jail and all, but I need you to get to the part about cock and pussy. Stories about me aren't gonna help that. Cock, pussy, tongue, ass, tits, ears, neck, taint - what do you like?" he asked "Right; uh; I liked it when you washed me down there; my pussy; with your fingers?" Honey said, at a loss. Zach drew his head back from her neck and looked at her, his face growing uneasy. "Honey?" "And when you sprayed the water back and forth down there, especially the top bump part, that really made me feel amazing, kind of squirmy, you know?" "Oh Jesus; he said, looking as if he'd been hit in the head. "And um; I know I wasn't supposed to look, but your um; you know; p-penis; in the shower, when your underwear got wet? That was" "I don't feel so good; he said, lowering himself to the floor and sitting down on the stairs. "No, no, it's fine. We can do this. What's a taint and what do I do with it?" she asked, sitting down and cuddling up next to him. Zach held his head in his hands, "You're a virgin; not like an "everything but" Evangelical, but like an alien or something. I don't know if I can do this." "Look, I know how to have sex; I had health class, for Pete's sake!" she said, slapping his shoulder. "What the fuck did I just get myself into?" he said through his hands. Honey pulled his hands down from his face and climbed up in his lap, putting his arms around her and looping her arms around his neck. "Zach; I have been a very good girl; not just this year, but for a long, long time. I figure that makes it so I can ask for something really big. So, here's what I want: I want you and me; just being together. Not planned or rehearsed or trying to be impressive. You already impress me. You're the best person I know. You took care of me when you hated me. You took care of me, even when I hated you. I just want to see what it's like if we let go of all that and just; you know; love. Will you give me that for Christmas, Santa? Please?" she asked, leaning in and kissing his cheek softly. "I've; never done that before," he said stiffly, looking sideways at her, unable to turn his head. "I'll be gentle with you," she whispered, smiling and brushing her lips against his. Climbing down from his lap, she took his hand in hers and led him up the stairs; until he lost patience with her hobbling and lifted her in his arms, carrying her to the top. Honey smiled as he gently lowered her feet to the floor, then took his hand and worked on the buttons of his cuff, "You're really big, but you don't do that big guy thing where you act like nothing matters. You notice everything; I like that," she said, glancing up at him. Zach frowned, watching her and then looking around the room, uncomfortable. "That's just; you gotta do that. You can't just throw your weight around without knowing where it's going. You're gonna hurt someone that way," he demurred, unbuttoning the cuff for her and tugging the other loose, as well. "You give a lot, but you're not a show-off about it; you didn't even let me know it wasn't Gatsby's sending food to me," she said, pulling his shirt down off his shoulders, pressing her face into his back to smell him. "You needed protein, calcium, and vitamin D to build those bones again -- that ramen shit you eat wasn't gonna give you enough of anything; just empty carbs and fuckin' sodium," he argued, putting his hands on his hips and scowling at her. Honey smiled and nodded, unbuckling his belt and slowly pulling it out of the loops. Zach swallowed, "You; you also needed vitamins C and K, so I made sure you got things like broccoli and fish and citrus; not; not everybody knows that," he said, drawing a shaky breath. "I didn't know that," she said, separating the hook and eye of his trousers and unzipping them, smiling when he cleared his throat and breathed faster as she lowered them. "You're smart, but you don't need everyone to know about it. You watch how people treat you when they think you're simple, instead; you want to know who they really are." Zach pulled his legs out of his trousers and laid them carefully over the chair, glancing over to the closet where he really wanted to put them instead. Honey smirked and turned to go get a hanger for him, and he swept her down onto the bed instead, going to get the hanger for himself and carefully hanging his pants to avoid any creases. Zach returned to the bed, standing in front of her knees where she sat, waiting. Honey moved her hands curiously over his hips and thighs, feeling the strength, the hours of toil and exertion he put them through; so that he could have control and be gentle when he needed to be. "You care about what I want; she said, swallowing and slowly sliding his underwear down his hips, gasping in surprise when his cock bounced out and waved at her. "You care about it even when you think I'm wrong; and it makes me love you so much; she said, trailing off and blushing. "You; got my clothes off," he said, looking down at her, his face a mix of bewilderment and wonder. "I guess you see all of me, now," he said, blushing for the first time since she'd known him. Smiling, she pulled her dress over her head and tossed it aside. She winced, reaching back trying to un-do her bra, and instead of helping her as usual, Zach narrowed his eyes, tilting his head. "You do that on purpose, don't you? Doing shit that hurts right in front of me instead of asking me for help. Showing off that fucking bruise to me at the club. Showing me what happens when I can't take care of you; you actually get off on driving me crazy," he said in outraged realization. "You really want to do that rough sex stuff on me, now, don't you," Honey said, her eyes alive with mischief. "Like you wouldn't believe; he said, flipping her over, straddling her back and unclasping her bra. Honey squealed and giggled when he laid himself out over her back, careful to avoid her shoulder and ankle. "You feel that cock, all hard and ready on your panties and between your legs down there? You don't get him now, brat," he growled, pushing her hair aside and biting the back of her neck. "Not until you beg me." "Okay! Please?" she asked, giggling. Zach looked over at her, trying to hold a stern face, "Yeah, that's not how this works. The way this works is, I make you want it so much that you think you're going out of your mind, and *then* you beg me." "Okay!" she chirped. "Oh, fucking hell; he grumbled, trying not to laugh. He nipped all over her back, enjoying her squeaks and gasps, wiggling under him as her need grew. She seemed completely unaware of how she was responding to him, but he proudly basked in her every flutter. He kissed down to the small of her back, hearing her breath stop and then resume at a pant when he began to lower her panties. "Zach; Zach; Honey whimpered. "Yes, Honey?" he smiled, kissing the top of the crease of her bottom, flicking it slightly with his tongue. "Does it; does it always go this slow?" she asked, raising her bottom to him and moaning when he slid his fingers through her crack, making her jump and then grab onto his thigh. "Are you in a hurry?" he murmured, stroking his fingers leisurely around her clit and into her vagina, "Some other pressing; engagement?" he asked, pressing his finger against her hymen and laughing evilly at her shocked, yet needful, reaction. "Yeah; it would feel good to have a hot deep cock in there, wouldn't it?" he asked, thrusting gently into her with his finger. "Zach; Honey moaned, squirming under him. "I like that word 'engagement; '" Zach mused idly, "don't you?" he asked, raising one of her knees up to her side, sliding his cock along her crack, wetting it until it glistened in her juices. "Zach, please; please; please; she gasped, feeling him rise up over her again, pressing against her entry, "I need you; she whispered. "I need you, too, Honey. I've needed you for so long; he answered, parting her lips and moving into her with slow, gentle thrusts. Honey trembled under him, holding her breath, feeling him fill her more and more, until with a slight sharp pain, she took him into her. "Oh; oh; oh; oh; she whimpered. "Just breathe, Honey. You're doing great; perfect. I'm not moving till you're ready," Zach said, reaching deep for control. A sheen of sweat broke over him at the sheer effort of holding himself back from plunging furiously into her body again and again and again. "Is; is this the rough sex part?" she breathed, reaching out to touch the hand he was using to keep most of his weight off her. Zach barked out a breathless laugh, clasping her hand in his, "I don't know about you, but this is about as rough as I can take it, tonight. You're fucking killing me, right now. But, being inside you; it's like magic." Honey moved her head and kissed his forearm, "Be inside me again, Zach; she whispered. With a low sigh, he began moving inside her, his hips pressing and rolling against her, his cock stroking a patient rhythm. She sighed with happiness, feeling him explore and claim her at the same time. His lips moved over her neck and back as he leisurely took her, whispering praise and encouragements, waiting for her to adjust to him. Before long, though, his words stopped, his body growing harder around her, his every muscle stiffening as he gripped her hand harder, his thrusts quickening until, with a soft, surprised grunt, he thrust deep and shook as he emptied himself inside her. With explosive breaths, he rolled off her, pulling her against him in the bed. "Well, fuck; he said in disgust between gasps. "Yeah; Honey said, snuggling back against him happily, "that was perfect; Zach snorted, "No it wasn't, you noob. You didn't come. I fucked it up." "What do you mean? What makes you think I didn't come? That felt great! Let's do that all the time," Honey said, turning in his arms so she could smile at him. "I would've felt it if you came, Honey; it gets tight and squeezes you, almost like it's sucking on you; drinking you down; he said, smiling down at her with rueful affection. "Well, I don't know how it's supposed to get any tighter than that was. I think you're expecting too much of me. Maybe I did come; she argued. "Honey, trust me; when I make you come, you'll know about it," he said, reaching down and caressing her clit with his fingers. "Oh, that's nice; you did that in the shower," Honey cooed, moving her boot up over his hips so he could reach her more easily. "I didn't fucking do this to you in the shower. I fucking washed you. I was a fucking gentleman. People cut diamonds with less fucking focus than I had in that fucking shower. I was just taking care of business, then," he grumbled, leaning down to nuzzle her neck. "I guess; I guess, I took advantage of you, then; s-sorry; oh; she said, raising her hips to him as her breathing became irregular, her head tossing from side to side. "Well, unless I'm wrong, you are about to really pay for it in 3, 2, 1" Zach said, when Honey screamed high and long, her hips bucking as she came hard, covering his hand in her sweet nectar and then bursting into tears. Zach held her close as Honey wailed in pain, stroking her body gently, "Yeah; see, that boot can do a lot, but it can't do squat about it when every muscle in your body wants to stiffen up as you come," he said, still soothing her. Honey slapped his shoulder, "That; that was mean! Don't you ever make me come again!" she panted against him, her face still twisted in slowly receding pain. "Uh huh; Zach said, glancing at the alarm clock on his nightstand, "we'll see how long that lasts, you little freak," he said with a smirk, leaning down to kiss her tears away.  To be continued in part 3, Based on a post by Lingering Afterthought, in 3 parts, for Literotica.

Welcome to the DMF! I'm Justin Younts, and in this episode, Christine La Monte shares an extraordinary creative journey that began in Rome in 2012. That pivotal moment marked her introduction to a gifted young filmmaker, Maxime Derevenko, who would later emerge as an influential voice in the worlds of opera and film.Christine reflects on how their collaboration grew through shared curiosity, mentorship, and artistic trust—eventually leading to a powerful opera project rooted in themes of social justice, peace, and human connection. As the world entered the uncertainty of the pandemic, this work took on even greater meaning, becoming a testament to the resilience of artists and the enduring power of creativity.She discusses the profound experience of collaborating with Ai Weiwei and the Rome Opera House, and how that partnership offered a bold, global perspective on art's role in times of crisis. Despite having only eight performances, the opera stood as a beacon of hope and reflection during a moment when art felt more essential than ever.Christine emphasizes the importance of mentorship and nurturing emerging talent, sharing how storytelling through art can elevate consciousness and inspire meaningful dialogue. In this conversation, she invites us to explore a world where every voice matters and creativity becomes a force for change.Join us as we celebrate the power of collaboration, storytelling, and art's ability to guide us toward a brighter future.00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:06 - Beginning of Film Career00:00:25 - Meeting Maxime Derevenko00:01:55 - Working with Ai Weiwei00:04:42 - Impact of COVID-1900:05:31 - Restarting in 202200:06:59 - Reflections on the Film00:07:47 - Film's Oscar Consideration00:08:22 - Role of Activism00:09:19 - Teaching at the School of Visual Arts00:11:01 - Reflections on Film Industry00:12:22 - Looking Back at Career00:13:31 - Passion for Teaching00:14:47 - Importance of Art and Culture00:16:20 - Closing Thoughts00:17:04 - Conclusion

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King Charles has spoken out in support of persecuted Christians around the world after attending a service at Westminster Abbey dedicated to those facing violence and discrimination for their faith. It comes amid renewed international focus on the treatment of Christians, after Donald Trump threatened action against Nigeria over killings, and comedian Bill Maher described the situation there as a “genocide”.Tim Stanley is joined by Father Benedict Kiely who runs Nasarean.org, a charity that advocates on behalf of Christians and helps them to stay in their countries by funding start-ups. They talk about the Middle East, what is happening in Nigeria and the status of Christians today. We want to hear from you! Email us at thedailyt@telegraph.co.uk or find @dailytpodcast on TikTok, Instagram and X► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorProducer: Lilian Fawcett and Georgia CoanSenior Producer: David LeveneExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsVideo Producer: Andy MackenzieStudio Operator: Meghan SearleSocial Producer: Nada AggourEditor: Camilla Tominey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thrive, a global technology outsourcing provider, is pursuing a $1 billion market position by the end of 2029, following significant revenue growth and 27 acquisitions since its inception. The company is focusing on enhancing its service offerings, particularly in managed artificial intelligence services, through a $100 million investment in its next-gen 3.0 platform. This shift raises critical questions for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) regarding who controls decision-making in IT operations as AI begins to play a more active role in execution rather than merely advisory functions. The integration of AI into managed services could lead to a concentration of power upstream, potentially undermining the authority and accountability of MSPs.Recent data on IT leadership diversity reveals that representation has stagnated, with 83% of IT leaders being white and over 78% male. This lack of diversity in leadership roles can create strategic blind spots, particularly as technology evolves rapidly. The report indicates that while there has been some improvement in gender representation among larger companies, racial diversity remains largely unchanged. This stability in leadership demographics may limit the perspectives necessary for effective technology governance, especially in a landscape increasingly influenced by AI and automation.Additional developments include the launch of the HiPori Partner Program, which aims to enhance secure mobile access for resellers and MSPs, and TD Cinex's AI Game Plan Workshop designed to assist partners in implementing AI solutions for their customers. These initiatives reflect a growing trend among technology providers to standardize outcomes and streamline processes, which may inadvertently reduce the differentiation and authority of MSPs as they adopt these frameworks.For MSPs and IT service leaders, the implications of these developments are significant. As AI-driven execution becomes more prevalent, MSPs must redefine their responsibility and authority to avoid unpriced liabilities. The current landscape suggests that those who can clearly articulate control and accountability in automated environments will have a competitive advantage. Ignoring these shifts could lead to operational risks and customer dissatisfaction, emphasizing the need for MSPs to adapt their strategies in response to the evolving technological landscape. Three things to know today 00:00 Thrive's $1B Ambition, OpenAI Investment, and AI Automation Push Highlight a Shift in Who Controls “Good IT”05:26 Q4 2025 IT Leadership Data Confirms a Five-Year Stall in Diversity Despite Rapid Technology Change10:56 Hypori, TD Synnex, and N-able Moves Show MSPs Trading Local Control for Centralized AI and Endpoint Frameworks This is the Business of Tech.     Supported by:  ingocni.com/tech10   PROMO CODE: tech10https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship

Are you praying for the conversion of someone you love and feeling discouraged because nothing seems to be changing? In this episode, Fr Columba speaks directly to the frustration, disappointment, and even despair that can creep in when our prayers appear unanswered. He explains why God is never ignoring our conversion prayers, why He will never force belief, and how grace really works in the hearts of those we're praying for. This reflection invites us to let go of control, keep praying with faith and hope, and trust that God is doing far more than we can see.

Ambassador Hussein Haqqani and Bill Roggio discuss global terror outbreaks, including ISIS-linked attacks in Australia and Afghanistan. Haqqani argues the West prematurely declared victory, ignoring radical ideologies. He notes Pakistan's internal power struggles and failure to track jihadists, warning the region remains a launchpad for international terrorism. 1867

Edmund Fitton-Brown warns that the West's premature "retirement" of counterterrorism efforts has allowed threats to incubate in conflict zones like Afghanistan. He argues that ignoring these regions inevitably leads to attacks in the West, as terrorists seek attention by striking "peaceful" environments, necessitating renewed forward engagement. 1910

Precision spindles featuring machine-like lathe markings, 3D intricate carvings, depictions of ice age mammals, the largest cut barays on earth, inverted clamp crevices, giant precision lingas, and huge megalithic blocks featuring 90 degree angles, interlocking nubs and drill holes - why does mainstream archaeology ignore the evidence that lost ancient technology was used to engineer Angkor Wat and the many other incredible temples and structures in and around Cambodia's Siem Reap area? Back from our recent Cambodia expedition, I sit down with Cassie Coppersmith (explorer, researcher and host of the 'Secrets in Stone' podcast) to discuss the many mind-blowing anomalies that we witnessed. We provide the receipts in 4k videoFOLLOW CASSIE HERE JOIN ME ON A TOUR

In this episode, Coach Doralee sits down with Dallisa Hocking to talk about trusting yourself again and reconnecting to your inner knowing. She is a 5th generation psychic, who's expertise spans psychic development, mediumship, astrology, and tarot, blending spiritual insight with real-world coaching to help people navigate life's most pivotal moments.She breaks down why every woman is intuitive, how we dim our light to stay accepted, and how self-doubt becomes a learned survival pattern. This conversation blends emotional healing, nervous system awareness, and spiritual intuition in a grounded, real-life way. If you're ready to stop performing, stop second-guessing, and start listening to yourself, this episode is for you.

In this solo episode, Nole dives deep into the tension between the cultural push for men to be extraordinary and the profound value of simply embracing the ordinary—or the mundane—in daily life.Inspired by a simple observation about a frantic lemur at an animal park ("He leads a simple life"), Nole explores the idea that while high-achieving goals (like a podcast, an adventure race, or a career milestone) are important, they occupy only a tiny fraction of our time. The bulk of our lives is spent on the ordinary, often overlooked tasks.Using the concept of the Time Wheel (a pie chart of your daily hours), Nole argues that if your stated priorities don't align with where you actually spend your time, you may be missing the most important opportunities for growth and fulfillment. He challenges men to approach the mundane—from laundry and cooking to exercise and even brushing teeth—with excellence and gratitude.This focus on doing the small things well is presented as a form of discipline that "bleeds" into the rest of life, strengthening relationships and fueling the pursuit of bigger goals. Ultimately, it's about finding the balance to ensure that the pursuit of excellence doesn't turn us into slaves of busyness, robbing us of time for peace, reflection, and truly appreciating life.Big thank you to My Epic and Facedown Records for the use of their song "Hail" in our podcast!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz2RZThURTU&ab_channel=FacedownRecordsVideo referenced in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mY3UJLmXAUQSign up for a class at The Fire Up Program!https://www.fireupprogram.com/programsThe Fire Up Progam video.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I__ErPW46Ec&t=12s&ab_channel=FireUpProgramThe Fire You Carry Instagram.https://www.instagram.com/thefireyoucarry/Donate to The Fire Up Program.https://www.fireupprogram.com/donateThe Fire Up Program Instagram.https://www.instagram.com/fireup_program/Kevin's Instagram.https://www.instagram.com/kevinpwelsh/?hl=enMyZone facility code for The Fire You Carry: CALIFUS001Get $60 off a MZ-Switch Heart Rate Monitor!https://buy.myzone.org/?lang=enUS&voucher=CALIFUS001-60

In this episode of the Smart Wealth & Retirement Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Jim Martin & Casey Bibb of Martin Wealth Solutions break down some of the most common — and costly — mistakes people make leading up to and during retirement. From emotional investing and improper risk management to underestimating taxes, Social Security timing, and overspending early in retirement, Jim and Casey explain why these issues show up so often… and what you can do to stay clear of them. They share real-world client experiences, discuss the habits that lead to long-term success, and offer practical steps to help retirees and pre-retirees avoid unnecessary stress, poor decisions, and financial regret. http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us www.planwellretirehappy.com Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Introduction: Why retirement mistakes happen 03:05 – Mistake #1: Overspending early in retirement 06:14 – Mistake #2: Not having a written plan 08:10 – Mistake #3: Not investing your age 10:34 – Mistake #4: Working longer than you really needed to 13:29 – Mistake #5: Ignoring taxes until it's too late 14:23 – Mistake #6: Delaying big decisions 16:50 – Mistake #7: Not reaching out to our team  17:40 – Q&A with Casey 20:45 – Key takeaways & closing thoughts Disclaimer Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties' informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

Missing from official comments and press reporting about the murder this weekend of three Americans in Syria and sixteen Jewish Australians on a Sydney beach is the word “jihad.” That failure is deliberate – a symptom of, and a contributor to, a metastasizing danger. Fifteen years ago, our group called “Team B II” published a book entitled, Sharia: The Threat to America. It challenged the policy that prevailed then – and continues to operate today, namely, ignoring acts of violence clearly animated by that totalitarian Islamic doctrine, depicting them instead as random incidents of “terrorism” or “extremism.” Today, sharia-supremacists tied to or inspired by the Muslim Brotherhood are poised to engage in much more jihadist violence, both elsewhere and here, and on a far greater scale.  Warnings like Team B's must no longer be ignored. Join us in saying so at BantheBrotherhood.org. This is Frank Gaffney.

“Lovergirl, I know you want love real bad… but please don't settle for half-love.”This video is for the women who love deeply, who feel everything, and who keep trying to make it work with men who can't meet them. If you're a lovergirl who gives your whole heart, this message is going to hit home.I talk about why longing can trick you into staying, how self-abandonment sneaks in disguised as “patience,” why emotionally unavailable men can't love you in the ways you need, and how to finally stop settling for half-effort, half-connection, and half-love.You deserve someone who meets you fully.With clarity.With consistency.With devotion.Your heart is too intentional for bare-minimum love — and in this video, I walk you through the mindset shift that finally sets you free.If you're healing, growing, or learning your worth again… this one is for you.✨ Let's connect:

The Rebel News podcasts features free audio-only versions of select RebelNews+ content and other Rebel News long-form videos, livestreams, and interviews. Monday to Friday enjoy the audio version of Ezra Levant's daily TV-style show, The Ezra Levant Show, where Ezra gives you his contrarian and conservative take on free speech, politics, and foreign policy through in-depth commentary and interviews. Wednesday evenings you can listen to the audio version of The Gunn Show with Sheila Gunn Reid the Chief Reporter of Rebel News. Sheila brings a western sensibility to Canadian news. With one foot in the oil patch and one foot in agriculture, Sheila challenges mainstream media narratives and stands up for Albertans. If you want to watch the video versions of these podcasts, make sure to begin your free RebelNewsPlus trial by subscribing at http://www.RebelNewsPlus.com

Justin Whitmel Earley once believed he could outwork sleep, outrun stress, and think his way out of anxiety until his body forced him to face the truth. In this powerful return to The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Justin shares how a sudden collapse into panic, insomnia, and intrusive thoughts exposed the danger of living as if we are machines instead of human beings with God-given limits. Together, Justin and Ginny unpack the core message of his newest book, The Body Teaches the Soul—that many of our deepest struggles aren't solved by trying harder, but by relearning how to live inside the design of our bodies through breath, rest, rhythm, and habit. From box breathing and breath prayers to Sabbath, sleep, and the quiet power of daily “trellis habits,” this conversation brings theology down into the lungs, the nervous system, the dinner table, and the bedtime routine. You'll hear how limits are not a punishment but a gift and how ignoring them quietly erodes our peace, our families, and our faith. This episode is for anyone who feels stretched thin, chronically tired, or quietly anxious as well as for parents trying to pass something better to their children. Check out Justin's podcast here: https://www.intentionalfatherhood.org Get your copy of The Body Teaches the Soul here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Tuesday's Mark Levin Show, history teaches us and helps demonstrate what patriotism is. But how can we demand patriotism from immigrants when we have American citizens on the neo-fascist right who trash our history? These people are not America first. How can they be America first when they don't understand our history, or founding? They will ensure that the Republicans lose the midterms and the Democrats choose the next president by causing even a small number of Republican and conservative voters to stay home. And the Marxist-Islamist left loves Carlson and the rest of them, as do the Democrat media that continuously promotes them. They know that he and his ilk will deliver them victories. We must do all we can to overcome this. Later, socialism light is not the answer to affordability. Capitalism is how you create prosperity and growth, which creates affordability and supply. Socialism light is also ineffective against aggressive socialism and the RINO proponents sound like liberals or Marxists. They lack coherent philosophy and resort to attacks while ignoring historical lessons from great minds like Milton Friedman, Mises, Hayek, Adam Smith, Reagan, and Trump. Afterward, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is doing an excellent job. That's why the hate America Democrats relentlessly attack him. They need to get the hell off his back and condemn our enemies instead! Finally, Steve Hilton calls in to discuss his race for Governor of California. He can achieve a political upset next year by adopting Trump's common-sense approach nationwide, focusing on addressing bloated government and high costs driven by the climate insanity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices